When to Plant Dahlias in Tennessee
In a typical Tennessee location, plant outdoors Apr 13 – Apr 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 23 in New South Memphis and as late as Apr 28 in Bristol.
Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.
Dahlias Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Nashville | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| New South Memphis | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Memphis | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Knoxville | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Chattanooga | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Clarksville | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Murfreesboro | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| East Chattanooga | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Franklin | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Cordova | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Jackson | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Johnson City | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Bartlett | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Hendersonville | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Kingsport | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Collierville | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Smyrna | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Cleveland | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Brentwood | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Germantown | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Hermitage | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Columbia | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Spring Hill | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| La Vergne | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Gallatin | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Cookeville | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Mount Juliet | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Lebanon | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Morristown | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Oak Ridge | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 70 Tennessee cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Tennessee cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant dahlias in Tennessee?
In a typical Tennessee location, plant outdoors Apr 13 – Apr 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 23 in New South Memphis and as late as Apr 28 in Bristol.
When is the last frost in Tennessee?
The average last spring frost in Tennessee ranges from March 16 in New South Memphis to April 21 in Bristol, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do dahlias take to grow?
Dahlias typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.
Other Crops in Tennessee
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
When to plant dahlias in other states